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    Home » Recipes » Baking Tips

    How to Test if a Cake is Done

    Published: Nov 7, 2019 · Last Modified: Oct 11, 2022 by Leslie Jeon · Leave a Comment · This post may contain affiliate links ·

    It can be a bit tricky to tell when a cake has finished baking. However, once you learn how to test if a cake is done, you will be a pro in no time! 

    Chocolate cake with berries and a sparkler that reads 'How to Test if a Cake is Done' this post

    How to Test if a Cake is Done

    Before I take any cake out of the oven, I like to double (and triple!) check that it has finished baking. Below are three different ways you can tell if a cake is done. However, keep in mind that you don't have to do all these methods each time—find what works best for you, and stick with it.

    1. When a Cake Tester or Toothpick Comes Out Clean

    This is my personal favorite method to test if a cake has finished baking. Take a toothpick or cake tester and insert it into the middle of the cake. If the toothpick comes out clean with no raw batter, the cake is ready to come out of the oven.

    Sandwich cake topped with whipped cream and raspberries

    (Image credit: Alina Karpenko)

    2. When the Sides Pull Away

    When a cake has finished baking, the outer edges of the cake will usually pull away from the sides of the pan. Once you see that start to happen, the cake is usually ready to come out.

    3. When the Cake is Springy to the Touch

    Finally, you can see if a cake is ready by lightly touching the surface of it. If the cake is springy to the touch, it's ready to come out of the oven! When doing this, your finger should not leave an indent in the cake. If it does, throw it back in the oven for a few minutes and then test again.

    Cake with candle inside

    (Image credit: Dilyara Garifullina)

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    hi there, i'm leslie!

    I'm a professionally-trained pastry chef, and here at The Baker's Almanac, I share unique dessert recipes and baking tips to help you bake with confidence. You can usually find me with a cookie (or two) in one hand and a cookbook in the other!

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    Chocolate cake with berries and a sparkler that reads 'How to Test if a Cake is Done'

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